A/N: Just a reminder to those who are reading, and/or commenting... thank you so much. Once this story is completed I won't be posting my stories on this site any longer. I gave continuing to do both a test run - and the decision has now been made. I will only be posting on my primary site - which most of you already know is LiveJournal. Thanks so much for your support, and I hope you enjoy this chapter & the rest of this story. I hope to have it completed in 25 chapters - FYI.

Chapter 19

Ben slipped into the apartment following his morning bike ride to find an obviously distressed Michael. His partner was seated on the couch, his hands framing his face, as his head hung low pointing down towards the floor. Silently, Ben sat down beside him as he looked at him with concern. "Michael, look at me."

"I can't, Ben. I have fucked up so badly... I am so ashamed," Michael moaned aloud.

"Michael, you can tell me anything. I love you," Ben tried to assure him. Adding as an after thought, "This is about Brian and Justin, isn't it?"

Looking up at Ben with tortured eyes, Michael nodded and whispered, "Yes, I have done something really stupid, and now it's too late to fix it."

"It's never too late to admit your mistakes, and accept help from the ones who care about you," Ben said with typical optimism.

"That may not be the case this time. I did what I thought was right at the time, but now I think I had it all wrong," Michael woefully admitted.

"I am assuming you mean wrong about Justin? Exactly, what did you do?" Ben demanded to know.

Michael lifted his pained eyes once again before saying, "I hired a virtual stranger to come between Brian and Justin; and it appears that the guy is not only crazy, but becoming obsessed with Justin as well."

"Are out out of your mind, Michael? How could you do that to Justin... and, for crying out loud - Brian? Your best friend, or so I thought," Ben shouted, shaking his head in disbelief.

"Brian is my best friend, but probably not after he finds out what I have done. He can't find out, Ben. There has to be a way to fix this without bringing Brian into this," Michael mumbled illogically.

"Get dressed, Michael. We are going out," Ben said abruptly.

Michael rolled his eyes. "We are going out, now? Where are we going?"

"We are going to see Brian. You are going to tell him exactly what you have just told me. Maybe, given the advance warning, Brian will someday find it in his heart to forgive you. However, I wouldn't count on that," Ben warned him.

Eyes widening in panic Michael adamantly shook his head negatively. "Oh no, Ben. I'm not telling Brian about this. Everything will be fine. Ethan will make his play for Justin, and if I'm wrong about the kid, which I think I am - now; Justin will reject him, and it will be over."

"Did you not just tell me this Ethan was crazy? What happens when Justin rejects him... what do you think he could do to him? Brian and Justin deserve to know the mess you have landed them into, and make their plans accordingly," Ben told him determined to make his point.

"I just can't do it, Ben. Things are already strained with Brian. This will be the final straw," Michael answered shaking his head adamantly.

"You have no choice. What if something happened to Justin, and Brian found out afterwards. How would you live with that?" Ben asked, showing no mercy.

"Do you have any idea of exactly what you are asking me to do? Any understanding of how it will change everything?" Michael gasped, nearing tears.

Ben glared at Michael in total exasperation before he continued, "You have placed yourself in this position, Michael. If you would have minded your own business, like I told you to do; letting Brian live his own life - this could have all been avoided. Now, I have to wonder... did you do this because of this great concern your profess for Brian - or was it jealousy?"

"I love you, Ben. You know that. This thing with Justin happened so fast. Of course, I thought someone had finally found a way to play him. We all know Brian thinks with his cock, whether I was right or wrong - I was worried about him. Jealous... no, I'm not, bitterness is a possibility. Brian has basically shut his friends completely out in the time he has been 'getting to know' Justin. That is a huge adjustment for me. I don't think you fully understand that," Michael tried to explain.

"You are wrong. I understand better than you can imagine. Five minutes, Michael. I am going with or without you. Either way, Brian is going to know the truth. The question is do you want to tell him - or will I be forced to do it? I think when the dust settles, Brian would be even more angry if he hears it from someone other than you." Ben told him fiercely, having no intention of backing down.

Michael stood up before walking towards the bedroom. Looking over his shoulder briefly he said, "I will get ready. We need to hurry. Ethan has information that Brian is taking Justin to the diner this morning. How he knows this - I don't know. We should catch them at the loft first."

"Did you hear what you just told me, Michael? This 'Ethan' is getting information nobody else should have solely to have a way to get to Justin... doesn't this strike you as a dangerous element?" Ben uncharacteristically growled at him.

"Fine. You're right. I will be ready in just a few minutes," Michael responded dejectedly as he went to change.

Ben narrowed his eyes on the back of the man he loved. Disappointed in him more than he ever thought to be possible. He would be there for Michael when he told Brian. Ben had the feeling a barrier would need to be in place to stop Brian from going for Michael's throat. He knew Brian would be justified in his anger, but at the same time knowing he would never allow Brian to hurt Michael. He hoped he could be the calming influence that could keep things rational, and move them towards a solution to the problem. Ben didn't know Justin very well yet, but he thought he was a good kid, one that he had no doubt cared for Brian - a lot. He only hoped they resolve this situation quickly and painlessly - for everyone. Ben had strong doubts about that; and knew without question if anything bad happened to Justin as the result of Michael's foolishness, Michael would undoubtedly lose Brian forever.

Brian's Loft

Brian stood in the bathroom shaving, his gaze continuously being drawn to the delicious blond still under the shower spray. He could see his perfect form clearly through the glass. Peering closely he could see the rivlets of water trailing down Justin's spine, knowing they would settle into the intoxicating crack of his ass. Brian forced his gaze forward once again with the reminder: sore ass... that you gave him, that's the ONLY reason you are not in there, fucking the hell out of him right now! Breathing in and out, Brian tried to make himself focus on why he was not in the shower, and not on the pleasure he could be having if he was in there.

Rolling his eyes as he heard Justin humming a happy little tune, Brian growled, "Wrap it up in there, before I come in... and give you something far more productive to do with your charming throat muscles."

"Oh? I havn't done that yet though, Brian. I might need a lot of hands on training," Justin teased him with a wink, as he opened the door a crack to look at Brian.

"I havn't forgotten, little boy. Later, I will instruct you in the art of how I want you to suck my cock - to my ultimate satisfaction. Now, hurry and get your damned clothes on, before I am forced to forget about your sore little ass, and fuck the hell out of it - once again," Brian growled with purposeful intent.

"Yes Sir, Mr. Kinney," Justin mock saluted, blowing him a flirtatious kiss before closing the door in a hurry, seeing the returning fire in Brian's eyes.

Brian left the bathroom in a quick striding fashion, unable to trust his resolve any longer. Damn, how that boy got to him, he thought to himself. When would this end? How many times would he need to fuck this aggravating, and all too enticing boy before he could actually look at him without having the overwhelming need to be buried deep inside of him? He wasn't going to worry about that now, as it was growing more than obvious it was a situation he could not change, whether he liked it or not. He loved it when he was buried deep inside the tightest, most sweetly curved ass he had ever known; but, when his mind cleared he hated the feeling of needing someone. And, that was the bottom line - Brian Kinney was actually beginning to need someone. That in itself was alarming, and an unknown quantity to him. Regardless, there was no turning back now. He just needed the boy too damned badly. And, to hell with the rules or consequences - he was going to have Justin.

Just as the water was turning off in the bathroom, Brian heard the light tapping on his door. Stalking towards it his initial thought was to get rid of his visitor, get Justin fed... and, try to find something to occupy his mind away from the delights he should be finding in Justin's body. Damn, he was so pathetic, he thought to himself. How long would this go on?

Opening the door, Brian lifted a brow in surprise to see not only Michael, but his counterpart in Ben standing stoically beside of him. Brian curled his lip under as he asked, "Who died?"

Ben rolled his eyes, already knowing this would be an ordeal, along with the knowledge that Brian would not make it easy. Glaring at his silent partner that was looking everywhere but at Brian he prodded, "May we come in, Brian? There is something that we really need to tell you - the sooner the better."

Frowning, Brian opened the door, allowing them both inside. "That sounds quite ominous, Professor. Please, be seated... however, I am not home alone."

"Imagine my surprise," Michael grumbled.

Brian's eyes narrowed on Michael, still more than pissed regarding his friend's most recent behavior. The only reason that he had allowed them inside was due to Ben requesting it - and with that being the case, knowing this was important. That would not be enough to keep them inside if Michael began his annoying shit. Right now, his patience with his best friend was slim to none.

Quietly, Ben hissed at Michael, "That's not getting this off to a good start, Michael."

"Sorry. Old habits die hard, you know," Michael said, briefly looking at Brian's cold gaze upon him.

"Yes, sadly, I know this. Precisely, what has placed you in this predicament," Ben scolded him.

"Okay... girls, you have kept me in suspense long enough. What the fuck are you two going on about?" Brian demanded, for some reason knowing this had something to do with him, along with the feeling that he was NOT going to like it.

"Michael has done something - that he is going to tell you. I only ask that we all stay calm, and reason this out... for everyone's sake," Ben said, hoping to instill a degree of calm amongst them.

Snorting, Michael said, "Calm? He's going to freak out... and we both know it."

"Okay, Mikey. Your evasions are beginning to really piss me off now. What the fuck have you done now, and more importantly - why does it affect me?" Brian snapped, losing his patience now.

"Michael... just, tell him already. That's why we are here, and you have no choice," Ben implored him.

"Yes, Michael... tell me what the fuck I need to fix this time," Brian hissed becoming more and more aggravated, the longer Michael delayed.

"Brian, you are such an ass. This is really difficult," Michael said, glaring at Brian. "To make it simple - when you started this thing with Justin, I thought he was using you... so, I did something."

Brian laughed, totally without humor. "Hold up, there. You thought Justin was using me? Who was exactly pursuing whom? And... since when do I get taken advantage of, and mind you - by an inexperienced kid?"

Michael glared at Ben when his partner smiled, giving him the 'I told you so look'.

Then the room became silent when a soft voice joined the exchange. "Kid? Ummmm, look again - Mr. King of Liberty Avenue. I am a man now, and I have the sore ass to prove it!"

"Mouthy little twat," Brian growled into Justin's mouth, as he kissed him open mouthed in front of his visitors, uncaring of the statement he was making; only knowing once Justin sat down beside him - kissing him had become as necessary as breathing.

"Quite obviously, you made a huge error in judgement, Michael. Now... it's time to repair things," Ben reminded him.

"I know, already. No need to rub more salt in the wound," Michael grumbled.

Justin began to poke at Brian's chest. "Uhhhh, Brian... this is a bit rude."

"I didn't invite them," Brian answered, his eyes flickering over them, dismissing them as insignificant before trying to reclaim Justin's mouth.

"Can we finish this, Brian? Then you can fuck your boyfriend for the rest of the day," Michael snapped.

Brian reluctantly pulled away from Justin to pierce Michael with cold eyes. "Now, why do I get the feeling that you are the last person who should be getting so condescending with me? Let's hear the rest, Michael."

"One day at the diner I was overheard discussing your new relationship with Justin. The man approached me. Ethan Gold is his name. He offered to test the strength of your relationship by pursuing Justin. I paid for his lunch, accepted his offer, and gave him some money for expenses," Michael said in a low voice, not even looking at Ben now.

Justin looked at Michael incredulously proceeding to issue a harsh response, when he snapped his mouth shut again seeing the unbridled rage in Brian's eyes. Oh no, Brian can handle this, Justin thought to himself.

Brian's breathing began to speed up, as his eyes looked towards Michael with a combination of hurt along with total contempt. Ben observed it the same, shaking his head in sadness for what it appeared his partner was about to lose. Ben tried to assist Michael, knowing once he had seen the look in Brian's eyes, defending himself would be impossible. "Brian, I know you are upset... and, rightly so. This is an invasion of your privacy, and a betrayal of the worse kind. But, consider how hard this was for Michael to come to you with this, especially at a time the two of you have not been getting along very well."

"That's supposed to make me feel better? My best friend decides to play God with my life, brings a complete stranger to disrupt it... and, I am supposed to see that it's hard for Mikey. Fuck you. Get out of my loft," Brian hissed at Ben.

"Of course, if that's what you want. We will leave. But, let him finish. It's important," Ben implored of Brian.

"What more could you possibly add?" Brian asked in disbelief.

Michael looked up with tears brimming in his eyes. His eyes fell on a still silent, but flushed Justin as he said, "I'm really sorry, Justin. I was out of line, and I was so wrong... regardless, it wasn't my business."

Justin nodded with a tight smile. "You love Brian. I know that. It's only natural you want to protect your best friend from someone you perceive as a threat, whether the fear is founded or not."

"Don't make excuses for him," Brian growled. "Now, finish it, Michael. Once and for all."

"I told Ethan I wanted out of our arrangement. He refused. He told me he wanted Justin... and that he would have him with or without my help. I didn't see it when we first met, but now I have come to realize the man is unbalanced," Michael whispered softly, flinching when he seen the hate growing in Brian's eyes.

"But... I am confused. I don't know this Ethan. He hasn't done anything," Justin protested.

"You met him last night - at the restaurant. I believe he would have been your server. Also, he has discovered that Brian is taking you to the diner this morning. He told me I was to distract Brian while he secured a moment alone with you. I am assuming he was going to make his big move then," Michael explained further.

Brian jumped to his feet, pacing the floor like a caged tiger. "I remember that waiter. He was obnoxious, and his eyes fucked Justin the entire time. I knew something wasn't right with him, but I was too distracted to think about it."

"I am more sorry than I can say," Ben said to both Brian and Justin.

Brian's icy gaze turned back to Michael and then to Ben. "Thank you, Ben for forcing Michael to do the right thing, as I know he is far too cowardly to do it on his own. As for you... Michael. That day has arrived that I warned you about last night. We are FINISHED. If you see me, look the other way. Do NOT speak to me. You no longer exist in my world. Now get the fuck out of my home before I toss you out like the trash that you are."

"Brian, please... don't do this," Michael sobbed, trying to approach Brian, but Ben held him back.

"Michael, let's go. Give him time. That's the least you owe him," Ben said pulling Michael towards the door.

Brian watching them go with a mixture of hatred, and sorrow in his eyes. Ben looked back, once again catching that look of pain in Brian's eyes. "Again, I am so very sorry. If there is anything we can do... give us a call."

"Just get him out of here. I can no longer stand the sight of him," Brian hissed in between clenched teeth.

After they left Justin looked at Brian with haunted eyes, trying to make light of it. "So, I have a crazy stalker. No big deal, right? Ummmm okay, now where's that breakfast you promised me?"

Brian walked towards Justin, pulling the blond's head against his chest. His eyes lighting up in fury and determination. "Don't worry, Sweetness. Breakfast you shall have. And, I will handle your stalker... crazy or not, in my own unique way. Just trust me, Justin. Everything is going to be just fine."